RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Tarpon are famous worldwide for their ability to easily free themselves from hooks. To reduce the chances of losing your trophy, we always recommend using the most appropriate equipment possible for each fishing situation. Check out our recommendations!
BAITCASTING OR SPINNING
Fishing Rods
We recommend using rods between 5'3 and 6' in length.
In terms of weight, we suggest rods between 16 and 20 pounds.
Ideally, each person should bring at least two fishing rods with them to avoid any hassles in the event of breakages or losses, and even for greater agility when there is a need to quickly change a model of bait or for example in cases of fishing lines getting tangled up.
Bait Casting Reels
When using bait casting reels, we use low profile bait casting reels, with good braking capacity and preferably marinized (saltwater models).
Spinning Reels
When using spinning reels, we recommend reels ranging in size from 2500 to a maximum of 4000, with good line capacity and resistance to salt water.
Fishing Lines
The use of multifilament lines is highly necessary for the best response and effectiveness when hooking, as tarpon are known for their bony mouths and great ease of escape.
Line thicknesses can range from 0.23 to 0.27 mm, depending on the quality of your multifilament line.
The poundage should be between 25 and 30 pounds.
Leaders
In addition to multifilament lines, we strongly recommend the use of fluorocarbon leaders with a resistance of between 40 and 60 pounds, given the significant capacity of tarpon to cause abrasion to the leader during battle.
Baits
The most effective artificial baits for tarpon fishing in and around Recife are small baits, around 6 to 10 cm in size.
Tarpon, even large ones, have a preference for small fish, which is why small lures are often more effective than others.
You can use small mid-water plugs and even surface plugs, such as poppers, sticks and zaras.
In addition to plugs, gummy baits such as shads and silicon shrimps are very welcome when fishing for tarpon.
FLY FISHING
Fishing Rods
On most of our urban rivers and destinations, we recommend gear numbered between #8 and #9, with a length of between 8 and 10 feet.
Although most of the fish caught are medium-sized, stronger and faster rods are necessary, especially for quicker and longer pick-ups, where casting in the right place at the right time is more important than the presentation of the fly.
Bait Casting Reels
Fly reels should preferably be marinized or offer a certain resistance to corrosion. It is very important that they are well stocked with backing, fed with at least 100m of backing to ensure a fair battle with the opponent.
Fishing Reels
As far as fly lines are concerned, we prefer lines with short, more aggressive (heavy) heads, since this type of fishing usually doesn't require a presentation, but rather a quick, accurate cast towards the tarpon's attack area after rolling (rising to the surface to breathe).
Both floating lines and intermediate lines can be used, depending on the conditions, the fish's behavior and the guide's instructions.
In the vast majority of cases it is possible to use only floating lines all the time.
Leaders
We strongly recommend the use of fluorocarbon leaders with a resistance of between 50 and 60 pounds, due to the ability of tarpon to cause abrasion to the leader during battle.
Flies
The flies are mostly small in size, imitating small fish, shrimps and other crustaceans.
Small streamers, clousers, seaducers and even surface flies such as poppers, bubbers and divers should make up your fly box. You can use flies made from synthetic or natural materials, including a mixture of both.
The colors can vary from light, citrus colors to darker ones like purple and black, depending on the circumstances.
It is important that the hooks are sharp and strong, and that saltwater models are preferably used.